Anticipation

I got an understanding of anticipation when we made the long trip to Arkansas recently.  We were driving out for our nephew’s wedding and had gotten a good start on the day when we stopped for lunch.

Diana made the comment that it would be nice to have a Starbucks coffee later, so the thought was in the back of my mind when we finally arrived in Louisville.  We decided to wait because as my sister-in-law affirmed, “Starbucks are everywhere; we can stop later.” 

If you have never traveled west beyond Louisville into Indiana, you will quickly learn there isn’t much there except rows and rows of corn, flatland and farms.  At each interchange we strained to see what restaurants were posted only to be disappointed again and again.  

On and on we drove but there were none.  After an overnight stay we headed out again.  Finally we arrived in St. Louis and drove past the Arch…still nothing.  On the west side of the city a sign finally flashed into view, “Starbucks.”  Everyone in car noisily exploded with excitement.  In one voice we cheered and celebrated.  Our long awaited anticipation was about to be rewarded.

I  also learned something about anticipation on a wilderness backpacking trip to Spruce Knob a few years ago.   The euphoria a hiker experiences when reaching the summit is heightened by the difficulty of the climb and the intensity of the anticipation.   Big or small, Mt Everest or Spruce Knob, days hiking or only hours each brings anticipation and ultimately a euphoric celebration.       

My life, too, is filled with anticipation both temporal and eternal.  The potential of experiences and activities that are about to happen bring excitement to my heart.  A few at random include: visiting my kids in new locations, finding a vocational ministry niche, having tea in England, the restoration of all things, eating my first bowl of Vietnamese Pho, reunions, a new heaven and new earth, Maria’s return from New Zealand, the coronation of the Lamb.